Media Relations Coordinator: Elevate University Visibility

RiseMe; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Tuition

Generous paid leave

Wellness initiatives

100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursem

Job summary

The University of Tampa seeks a Media Relations Coordinator to manage day-to-day media inquiries, connecting reporters with faculty experts and helping position UTampa programs as authoritative sources on public interest.

You will collaborate with the external PR agency and Marketing & Communications colleagues to advance institutional priorities, prepare spokespeople, draft press materials, and monitor media coverage for the Tampa Bay region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor1 degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field.
• 31 years of professional experience in media relations or related field.
• Proven experience responding to media inquiries.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex information into accessible narratives.
• Experience creating media pitches and press releases.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Professionalism and discretion with sensitive information.
• Ability to build productive relationships with faculty, staff, journalists and partners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as day-to-day journalist contact and connect reporters with experts.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional and national media.
• Identify and pitch stories showcasing faculty expertise and programs.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to create media commentary opportunities.
• Monitor news cycles to identify timely opportunities for experts to contribute.
• Prepare stakeholders for media interviews with key messages and guidance.
• Draft and edit pitches, advisories, press releases, statements and talking points.
• Coordinate with external public relations agency under director guidance.
• Track earned media activity and report outcomes.
• Monitor media coverage of the University and Tampa region.
• Support communications on emerging issues with senior leadership.
• Assist with major announcements and public relations initiatives.
• Collaborate to extend earned media across channels.
• Maintain media lists and expert information.

Skills

Media relations

News writing

Verbal communication

Story development

Relationship building

Editing

Organization

Discretion

Education

Bachelor1 degree in communications or related field

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Media databases

PR software

Job description

The University of Tampa seeks a Media Relations Coordinator to manage day-to-day media inquiries, connecting reporters with faculty experts and helping position UTampa programs as authoritative sources on public interest.

You will collaborate with the external PR agency and Marketing & Communications colleagues to advance institutional priorities, prepare spokespeople, draft press materials, and monitor media coverage for the Tampa Bay region.